WINNO'S 60 SECONDS WITH BILLY-ROSE DERBYSHIRE

By Darren Winningham with Billy-Rose Derbyshire | Monday, January 30, 2017

What is your role in racing?

Jockey – based at Gatton.

Do you have a nickname?

No. I don’t actually have one!

How long have you been riding?

About five years now.

When you were an apprentice, who was your master?

Well I had a few masters throughout my apprenticeship. I started out with Barry Gill at Gympie.Then went to Robert Wilson at Caloundra. Then back to Gympie with Kerry Munce. Then I finished with Brenton Andrew at Gatton.

You are a senior jockey now?

I got a six month an extension of my apprenticeship. Then I came out around July last year (2016).

Your fondest memory of working for your favourite boss?

They were all good, but I am going to have to say my favourite boss is Brenton as he is my fiancée. I got along with all of them actually – they were all fun and I had a great time working for them all.

My best memory working for Brenton was riding my first winner for him on his favourite horse – Charge Missile. I kind of liked Brenton and I thought if I do not win on his horse then he may not like me very much – so when I won on him it was like “YES”!. Now we are engaged!

Best thing you like about your work?

I just love riding. When you go out there it is just you and the horse – there are no people around you, it is just you and the horse and you have to try and get the horse to understand what you want it to do. When you get this to happen it is nice – but when they don’t it is not great!

What do you do when you cannot sleep?

There is not many times when I cannot sleep to be honest – I can sleep anywhere and anytime. If sleeping was a sport I would win!

Jockeys start early in the morning what time do you get up to start work?

I start around 3.15am most days and head to the stables.

How do you prefer to be woken up in the morning?

Normally Brenton wakes me up – but not the way you are thinking about! (laughing)

A memorable horse you have ridden?

When a won a midweek race at Doomben on Roxy Rhythm. It is my first and only metro race win ever! I never thought I would ever actually ride at a track like Doomben let alone win a race there. It was trained by Brenton as well so it was extra special.

What’s your favourite horse you have ridden?

Baker Boy is my favourite. Trained by Brenton as well! Look I ride him at track work and he is real quirky and he jumps around and is sometimes stupid – but he is just cool!

What was the turning point in your career?

I know it sounds cliché but moving down from Gympie to Gatton with Brenton. Once I made the move I was able to get my metro licence and everything started to happen. I was so fortunate – I was able to ride his horses and do really well.

What are you always late for?

I am not late – I am always on time. You cannot be late when you live with the boss!

If you could change careers tomorrow what would you do?

I wanted to be a primary school teacher. I was going to have to go to university but I didn’t go and pursued a career in the saddle.

When you retire from being a jockey what would you do?

I would like to remain within the industry. I would probably still ride track work and participate that way. You know you really cannot get away from it once you get involved.

What is your favourite music?

I like a bit of everything really.

Who is your favourite musician?

I love Angus and Julia Stone – they are sought of hippy and folk music artists.

What is the most embarrassing song on your phone?

Brittany Speers – “Toxic” – I do like to sing to it!

What is your favourite gadget?

My phone – that is the only gadget I really have!

What would you chose as your last meal?

Club House Chicken burger at Maccas and a large frozen Coke!

Name one person who you want to have dinner with?

Lady Gaga – as she is crazy but cool!

Name one thing you could not live without?

My dog George – he is the best.

What is your greatest fear?

I don’t really have a fear. Actually losing someone you love. That has happened to me so I feel like there is nothing else that can scare me as much. It actually puts things into perspective.

One of your favourite place to be?

Airlie Beach. I love the place.

NRL/AFL favourite team?

I follow the NRL – I like the Broncos! But I do not mind if the Cowboys win as well!

State of Origin time – NSW or QLD?

See I am British so it really doesn’t really bother me that much. But, you know what, I have to go for Queensland otherwise everyone gets the shits!

Who do you talk most to on the phone?

My best friend Alex and my Mum!

What landmark or item symbolises Australia?

The first thing that comes to mind is Uluru – Ayers Rock! Even though I have never ever been there it is Australia!

What do you like to put on a sandwich?

Peanut Butter and Jelly – for those who do not know what that is – it is Peanut Butter and Jam. The jam I like to use is strawberry – with no butter and white bread!

What toppings do you like on your pizza?

I like most pizzas – but my pizzas must have bacon on them! Then I will eat them. I just love pizzas with bacon on them!

How do you define success?

Happiness – another clichéd answer I bet.

Who is you man crush?

Channing Tatum – in Magic Mike his dancing is just ...!

Who is your girl crush?

Lana Delrey – a singer

Tell us something that may surprise us about you?

I have a tattoo somewhere! Also, I play guitar and I can sing a little bit.

If you are down to your last $10 what would you spend it on?

Ten frozen cokes from Maccas! They are value for money!

Thanks for spending 60 seconds with Winno Billie Rose!

More articles